American Killed in Caribbean Died From Massive Cranial Trauma, Asphyxia
Autopsy reports have indicated that Jessica Lewis Colker, the 39-year-old American tourist who was killed in the Caribbean island of Grenada last Sunday, died due to extensive skull fracture and asphyxia, according to Now Grenada, a local publication.
Initial reports of the fatal incident involved a man allegedly brandishing a cutlass, or in some reports, a machete, attacking the couple as they were taking a leisurely stroll in a deserted part of La Sagesse Beach, which is located in the town of St. David.
As of writing, however, AJC News stated that Grenada authorities are still quite tight-lipped about the specifics of the tragic incident. However, a police spokeswoman did assure the media that the woman did not die after being attacked by a bladed weapon.
"No, no there was no machete involved," the police spokeswoman said, referring to the recently-conducted autopsy.
Her husband, 62-year-old Brian Melito, escaped the fatal attack. By the time he came back with help, however, his wife had already been murdered and her killer had already left the scene.
Police have stated that they are not considering Melito as a suspect in the case.
A man claiming to be the one behind the fatal attack turned himself into the police on Monday morning, however. Identified as ex-convict David Martin Benjamin, he had previously received a 7-year prison sentence due to charges of rape and carnal knowledge, reported FOX News.
He never finished his prison sentence, however, as he was set free for good behavior and after actively participating in a prison program that was aimed at the reformation of incarcerated men.
Prior to his conviction, he also served prison time for robbery, grievous harm, as well as other offenses.
Despite his admittance to the crime, however, Benjamin is yet to be charged with Colker's murder.
Colker had worked as a physician's assistant who worked with anesthesiologists at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Her husband also works as a physician.
Sarah Greene, and neighbor and friend of the victim, stated that both Colker and her husband were avid travelers. After meeting in Costa Rica, they were married in 2014. Prior to the fatal trip, Greene stated that she and her husband were planning a Valentine's Day benefit to help refugees entering the country.
"She was beautiful, alive and vibrant, and she really loved to dance That was her passion. That was how we met several years ago, before she moved here, next door," she said.
The United States Embassy in Barbados has stated that a full-scale investigation has been initiated, and that the embassy is working closely with authorities to solve the crime.
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